I'm a control freak that loves plans and organization while remaining frugal! So being pregnant for the first time and not having a clue on what is actually needed, I was overwhelmed for sure. I wanted to get what we needed and not buy the useless/ luxury items. So I reached out to my amazing friend and she provided me with a GREAT list that helped so much! I just printed this list out and checked it off when I finished registering.
First, I wanted to give some pointers and the list is below my tips!
Tips
- Register online! It's so much easier to just get into your pj and click away. Also it make editing and adding so much easier. Just remember to write down your username and password. I was incredibly forgetful and had to reset my password so many times!
- Register online! It's so much easier to just get into your pj and click away. Also it make editing and adding so much easier. Just remember to write down your username and password. I was incredibly forgetful and had to reset my password so many times!
- Do not buy for the baby's entire first year! I understand you want to be prepared as much as possible! Ask yourself will your newborn need those sippy cups or the high chair? No, but they will need diapers!
- Register for common items. I have been blessed by only needing to buy one large pack of wipes and one small pack of diapers and Hannah is 3 months old. So register for diaper cream, diapers, wipes, baby asprin, etc.
- Avoid registering for (too much) clothes. Chances the same clothes will not be in season/ in the store when your shower comes and guests love buying adorable clothes.
- Do not always go for the cheapest item, especially if you are wanting these items to last multiple babies. Some stuff can be the cheapest possible but think about how long you want it to last.
- Helpful, but not necessary, register for storage containers for the clothes and other items. We ended up buying shallow containers that fit under the bed to store her newborn stuff for the next baby.
- Ask around or shop craig's list, but do remember you are pregnant and do not try to take on big projects just to save a little. (Example, I decided to paint Hannah's crib from oak to white. Easy right? Nope, It was days and days of sanding and painting while wearing a mask and 8 months pregnant.) The only major thing I've heard that you should not buy used is a pump because bacteria can grow in the parts. Also research for recalled items before using yard sale baby stuff. Lastly, some friends may let you borrow bigger items, like a bassinet or swing. Just ask! It's a win-win because they will not need to store it!
- Register/buy a variety of options when it comes to binky/pacifiers. We stumbled on Hannah's favorite and she will not take any brand.
- Do not always go for the cheapest item, especially if you are wanting these items to last multiple babies. Some stuff can be the cheapest possible but think about how long you want it to last.
- Helpful, but not necessary, register for storage containers for the clothes and other items. We ended up buying shallow containers that fit under the bed to store her newborn stuff for the next baby.
- Ask around or shop craig's list, but do remember you are pregnant and do not try to take on big projects just to save a little. (Example, I decided to paint Hannah's crib from oak to white. Easy right? Nope, It was days and days of sanding and painting while wearing a mask and 8 months pregnant.) The only major thing I've heard that you should not buy used is a pump because bacteria can grow in the parts. Also research for recalled items before using yard sale baby stuff. Lastly, some friends may let you borrow bigger items, like a bassinet or swing. Just ask! It's a win-win because they will not need to store it!
- Register/buy a variety of options when it comes to binky/pacifiers. We stumbled on Hannah's favorite and she will not take any brand.
- After the shower tip, leave items in the packages with the receipt taped to the back. I had way too many pj but not enough bottles. So it's helpful to have swapping options, once the baby arrives.
The Ultimate Registry List
This original was a Babies r us list modified by my friend and I added some of my comments too!
N=Need it
W=Want it/Nice to have, but not necessary
D=Don't bother/Waste of money/You won't really use it
W=Want it/Nice to have, but not necessary
D=Don't bother/Waste of money/You won't really use it
Breastpump - N if you are breastfeeding (Medela Electric double pump)
*Breast pads - N (I prefer the Disposable Playtex Ultra Thin nursing pads, 60 comes in a box at $5 a box)
*Breast cream - N (Lansinoh or the cheap target brand)
*Breast milk storage bags - N if you are planning on pumping either Medela or the target brand...i used all 3, not much of a difference. The target brand is cheaper
Breastfeeding Shawl - N I preferred that over a blanket...worked better (mine i called Hooter hider)
Nursing Pillow - This was great for nursing and for recovery. And now she use it for tummy time or practicing to sit.
Nursing Pillow case - W one usually comes with the boppy but I registered for the naked boppy because it was cheaper and then picked a cute case.
Burping cloths - N or we just used cloth diapers or receiving blankets
6-12 Cloth Diapers - D (disposable diapers work GREAT)
6 Lap pads - D
*6-8 Bottles - N (Avent starter pack is great! The starting nipples have a wide based and it makes it easier for newborns to latch on and go from breast to bottle and back more smoothly. And I use the Medela bottles to pump.)
Bottle Warmer - D Hannah doesn't care if her milk is warm or cold. So we go straight from the fridge to her mouth. Occassionally we will warm it with running water.
Bottle sterilizer - D Medela bottle packs come with a sterilizer bag
Bottle brush - N
Dishwasher Caddy - N (great so all the parts don't get lost)
Dish drying rack - W (a regular dish rack is find but I love my grass drying rack. It's cute and perfect for bottles)
Insulated tote - N Great for caring around frozen milk, not just bottles.
Feeder for strained foods - W? probably nice to have, but i never did...used the blender or magic bullet
8-12 Bibs - N (thicker is better)
*Pacifiers - N ( i would stick with the cheaper ones just incase you can't get the baby to take one.)
*Breast pads - N (I prefer the Disposable Playtex Ultra Thin nursing pads, 60 comes in a box at $5 a box)
*Breast cream - N (Lansinoh or the cheap target brand)
*Breast milk storage bags - N if you are planning on pumping either Medela or the target brand...i used all 3, not much of a difference. The target brand is cheaper
Breastfeeding Shawl - N I preferred that over a blanket...worked better (mine i called Hooter hider)
Nursing Pillow - This was great for nursing and for recovery. And now she use it for tummy time or practicing to sit.
Nursing Pillow case - W one usually comes with the boppy but I registered for the naked boppy because it was cheaper and then picked a cute case.
Burping cloths - N or we just used cloth diapers or receiving blankets
6-12 Cloth Diapers - D (disposable diapers work GREAT)
6 Lap pads - D
*6-8 Bottles - N (Avent starter pack is great! The starting nipples have a wide based and it makes it easier for newborns to latch on and go from breast to bottle and back more smoothly. And I use the Medela bottles to pump.)
Bottle Warmer - D Hannah doesn't care if her milk is warm or cold. So we go straight from the fridge to her mouth. Occassionally we will warm it with running water.
Bottle sterilizer - D Medela bottle packs come with a sterilizer bag
Bottle brush - N
Dishwasher Caddy - N (great so all the parts don't get lost)
Dish drying rack - W (a regular dish rack is find but I love my grass drying rack. It's cute and perfect for bottles)
Insulated tote - N Great for caring around frozen milk, not just bottles.
Feeder for strained foods - W? probably nice to have, but i never did...used the blender or magic bullet
8-12 Bibs - N (thicker is better)
*Pacifiers - N ( i would stick with the cheaper ones just incase you can't get the baby to take one.)
Infant Care--Baby Care
Parenting Books - I know some people like baby wise...great if you like a lot of structure. I loved "Baby Whisper".
Rattles - N (good when they start grabbing for toys, but that is not for awhile, so not on the need list)
Teethers - W
Nail Clippers - N
Brush and Comb - N
*Digital Thermometer -N You will want to get a rectal one for when they are really little, the ear ones are GREAT, but they don't work very well on newborns, rectals are more accurate. We have a thermoscan one and I HIGHLY recommend not buying cheaper here. Whenever Hannah is screaming for a while, I easily check her temp and can rule out fever.)
*Ear Thermometer - N (see above)
First Aid Kit - D
*Humidifier/Vaporizer - D
*Diaper Pail - N (we really like the diaper champ, cause it uses regular size garbage bags and you don't have to buy special bags like the diaper genie)
Diaper Pail Refills
*Monitor - N (We have a basic one and it works fine. If you do not want to move the monitor every night, consider getting a two parent monitor)
Parenting Books - I know some people like baby wise...great if you like a lot of structure. I loved "Baby Whisper".
Rattles - N (good when they start grabbing for toys, but that is not for awhile, so not on the need list)
Teethers - W
Nail Clippers - N
Brush and Comb - N
*Digital Thermometer -N You will want to get a rectal one for when they are really little, the ear ones are GREAT, but they don't work very well on newborns, rectals are more accurate. We have a thermoscan one and I HIGHLY recommend not buying cheaper here. Whenever Hannah is screaming for a while, I easily check her temp and can rule out fever.)
*Ear Thermometer - N (see above)
First Aid Kit - D
*Humidifier/Vaporizer - D
*Diaper Pail - N (we really like the diaper champ, cause it uses regular size garbage bags and you don't have to buy special bags like the diaper genie)
Diaper Pail Refills
*Monitor - N (We have a basic one and it works fine. If you do not want to move the monitor every night, consider getting a two parent monitor)
Infant Care--Bath
Baby bathtub - N (you can get the ones with the netting to use for newborns)
Baby bath sponge - D
4 Hooded bath towels - N - but maybe only 2
12 Washclothes -N- but maybe only 4-5
Bath Toys - W - nice but not yet
Baby bathtub - N (you can get the ones with the netting to use for newborns)
Baby bath sponge - D
4 Hooded bath towels - N - but maybe only 2
12 Washclothes -N- but maybe only 4-5
Bath Toys - W - nice but not yet
Infant Care--Toiletries
Body Wash - N (We use Aveeno and love the scent)
Shampoo - D (most body washes are also used for shampoo)
Lotion - N (Aveeno is WONDERFUL, especially on dry skin.)
Baby Oil - W (works on cradle cap and just a small bottle)
Alcohol Swabs - D
Cotton Swabs - W (I didn't realize how much I would use these! I clean her nose, ears, in between her toes, fingers, and neck rolls at least twice a day)
Diaper Rash Cream - N (I love Butt Paste)
Petroleum Jelly - W can use instead of diaper cream, I put it in the diaper bag as a cheaper alternative
Cotton Balls- D
Baby powder- N (Just a travel size is fine)
Baby asprin/ Ibuprofin - W (You could wait on this but it super helpful before getting the first shots and when teething starts)
Infant Saline - W (Hannah's doctor recommend using saline in her nose when ever she got stuffy. but it just salt water, so this isn't a must, just nice to have)
Body Wash - N (We use Aveeno and love the scent)
Shampoo - D (most body washes are also used for shampoo)
Lotion - N (Aveeno is WONDERFUL, especially on dry skin.)
Baby Oil - W (works on cradle cap and just a small bottle)
Alcohol Swabs - D
Cotton Swabs - W (I didn't realize how much I would use these! I clean her nose, ears, in between her toes, fingers, and neck rolls at least twice a day)
Diaper Rash Cream - N (I love Butt Paste)
Petroleum Jelly - W can use instead of diaper cream, I put it in the diaper bag as a cheaper alternative
Cotton Balls- D
Baby powder- N (Just a travel size is fine)
Baby asprin/ Ibuprofin - W (You could wait on this but it super helpful before getting the first shots and when teething starts)
Infant Saline - W (Hannah's doctor recommend using saline in her nose when ever she got stuffy. but it just salt water, so this isn't a must, just nice to have)
Infant Care--Diapering Accessories
Baby Wipes - N (Costco or target brand... Sensitive are great to start out with on the newborn's bottom)
Travel Wipes - D (I prefer just putting some wipes in a ziplock and the last a lot longer. The containers dry the wipes so fast.)
Wipes Warmer - D (some people will disagree...my theory is you won't always have warm wipes so they might as well get use to them not being warm...i know mean. Also your hands work fine to warm them slightly.)
Diaper Bags (small & large) - N (you will probably want a large one to start out with, cause you will want to bring 2-3 changes of clothes plus 5-10 diapers where ever you go but I quickly changed to a purse)
Baby Changing Mat - N & covers - I love this Travel Pad!
Baby Wipes - N (Costco or target brand... Sensitive are great to start out with on the newborn's bottom)
Travel Wipes - D (I prefer just putting some wipes in a ziplock and the last a lot longer. The containers dry the wipes so fast.)
Wipes Warmer - D (some people will disagree...my theory is you won't always have warm wipes so they might as well get use to them not being warm...i know mean. Also your hands work fine to warm them slightly.)
Diaper Bags (small & large) - N (you will probably want a large one to start out with, cause you will want to bring 2-3 changes of clothes plus 5-10 diapers where ever you go but I quickly changed to a purse)
Baby Changing Mat - N & covers - I love this Travel Pad!
Baby Gear--Safety
Cabinet and door latches - W you really don't need anything until they start crawling 6-9months.
*Safety gates - W - depends on if you have stairs...you will probably figure this one out after they are moving. Evenflo Simple Fit Pressure Gate are cheap and work the best
Outlet Covers - N
Travel Mirror - W (never used one with either of our kids...sometimes it would have been nice, but not a have to.)
Cabinet and door latches - W you really don't need anything until they start crawling 6-9months.
*Safety gates - W - depends on if you have stairs...you will probably figure this one out after they are moving. Evenflo Simple Fit Pressure Gate are cheap and work the best
Outlet Covers - N
Travel Mirror - W (never used one with either of our kids...sometimes it would have been nice, but not a have to.)
Baby Gear--Car Seats
Car seats are up to you guys, the infant carriers are nice, but then you have to buy a new one in about a year. The Convertible ones you can use when they are newborns and then use them for a long time, but you have to leave them in the car, unlike the carriers. Most of the carriers go with a stroller which makes it really nice. As for brand...most of the brands are pretty much the same, just matter of color & style. Booster seats aren't needed till they are 4, so you could probably just wait on that.
*Infant Car Seat
*Convertible Car Seat
*Booster Car Seat
Strap Covers - W (nice so they straps don't cut in to their necks and Hannah's had monkey heads on them that she like to play with.)
Neck Wings - D
Head Support - N (most infant carriers will come with one, but I had some extras for the swing and bouncy seat)
Full-Body Support - D
*Baby Sunshade - W
Car Seat Toys - W (This is an instant calming tool for Hans. We call her "Sophie" It has a mirror, rattle, and is at a great level for her eyes)
Additional infant car seat base- D (only if you are going to use more then one car, but the bases are very easy to transfer and it's simple to just strap the car seat in)
Car seat undermat - N (keeps the car seat from digging into the seats)
Infant car seat carrier cover - D
Car seats are up to you guys, the infant carriers are nice, but then you have to buy a new one in about a year. The Convertible ones you can use when they are newborns and then use them for a long time, but you have to leave them in the car, unlike the carriers. Most of the carriers go with a stroller which makes it really nice. As for brand...most of the brands are pretty much the same, just matter of color & style. Booster seats aren't needed till they are 4, so you could probably just wait on that.
*Infant Car Seat
*Convertible Car Seat
*Booster Car Seat
Strap Covers - W (nice so they straps don't cut in to their necks and Hannah's had monkey heads on them that she like to play with.)
Neck Wings - D
Head Support - N (most infant carriers will come with one, but I had some extras for the swing and bouncy seat)
Full-Body Support - D
*Baby Sunshade - W
Car Seat Toys - W (This is an instant calming tool for Hans. We call her "Sophie" It has a mirror, rattle, and is at a great level for her eyes)
Additional infant car seat base- D (only if you are going to use more then one car, but the bases are very easy to transfer and it's simple to just strap the car seat in)
Car seat undermat - N (keeps the car seat from digging into the seats)
Infant car seat carrier cover - D
Baby Gear--Strollers
*Travel System - Depends on if you want the carrier too; it is really nice, but not a half to.
*Full-size Stroller - not if you get a travel system
*Umbrella Stroller - W (great for when they are about 6 months old and you don't want to hull the big stroller around, but get a nice one; we love our Chicco Capri and it is easier to travel w/then a big one.
*Jogging Stroller - depends on if you will use it.
*Convenience Stroller
Stroller toys- W.. just used what you have
Stroller netting - D
Weather Shield - W
Stroller Blanket - D - just used what you have
*Travel System - Depends on if you want the carrier too; it is really nice, but not a half to.
*Full-size Stroller - not if you get a travel system
*Umbrella Stroller - W (great for when they are about 6 months old and you don't want to hull the big stroller around, but get a nice one; we love our Chicco Capri and it is easier to travel w/then a big one.
*Jogging Stroller - depends on if you will use it.
*Convenience Stroller
Stroller toys- W.. just used what you have
Stroller netting - D
Weather Shield - W
Stroller Blanket - D - just used what you have
Baby Gear--Entertainers/Swings
*Full-size swing - N (Our swing can change from side to side and front to back, which is great when she starts to get bored.)
*Travel swing - D
*Jumper - W
*Mobile walker - D (the docs will actually tell you not to get one)
*Stationary Entertainer - W (better if you can borrow, some kids love it and others only for a month or two and they are really big to store.
*Bouncer/Rocker - N - We used ares all the time the vibrating ones are great. These are great to move around the house while you do chores.
*Baby Carrier - N Baby Bjorn
*Full-size swing - N (Our swing can change from side to side and front to back, which is great when she starts to get bored.)
*Travel swing - D
*Jumper - W
*Mobile walker - D (the docs will actually tell you not to get one)
*Stationary Entertainer - W (better if you can borrow, some kids love it and others only for a month or two and they are really big to store.
*Bouncer/Rocker - N - We used ares all the time the vibrating ones are great. These are great to move around the house while you do chores.
*Baby Carrier - N Baby Bjorn
Baby Gear--Play yards
*Play Yard - N
2-3 Play Yard Sheets - N (1-2)
Play Yard Netting - D
*Play Yard - N
2-3 Play Yard Sheets - N (1-2)
Play Yard Netting - D
Baby Gear--High Chairs
*High Chair - N, i started using mine at 4-5months, when they started eating solids...get the ones that position back so the baby can sort of lay back, because they probably won't be sitting up when you can start solids.
*Booster Seat - N, but not until 15-18 months
Splat Mat - depends on you
High Chair Cover - D
Extra high chair pad - D
*High Chair - N, i started using mine at 4-5months, when they started eating solids...get the ones that position back so the baby can sort of lay back, because they probably won't be sitting up when you can start solids.
*Booster Seat - N, but not until 15-18 months
Splat Mat - depends on you
High Chair Cover - D
Extra high chair pad - D
Diapers/Formula
*Diapers - N (We use and love huggies, we have tried the cheap brands, but they seem to leak; costco's brands and Target are pretty comparable to huggies. However we used the Pampers swaddlers for the newborns, liked those much more the huggies newborns)
*Formula - W - I don't know which is best.. Ask mom's around you and your doctor.
*Diapers - N (We use and love huggies, we have tried the cheap brands, but they seem to leak; costco's brands and Target are pretty comparable to huggies. However we used the Pampers swaddlers for the newborns, liked those much more the huggies newborns)
*Formula - W - I don't know which is best.. Ask mom's around you and your doctor.
Nursery--Cradles/Bassinets
*Cradle, bassinet, or portable crib - W (the pack-n-play for the bassinet is great)
*Cradle, bassinet, or portable crib Bedding Set
2-3 Cradle, bassinet, or portable crib sheets
Bassinet netting
*Cradle, bassinet, or portable crib - W (the pack-n-play for the bassinet is great)
*Cradle, bassinet, or portable crib Bedding Set
2-3 Cradle, bassinet, or portable crib sheets
Bassinet netting
Nursery--Nursery Furniture
*Crib - N
*Changing Table - N (I've heard some say this isn't a need but I disagree. It's nice to have a place that both you and baby are comfortable. Especially as a newborn who needs needs a diaper change every 2 hours!)
Armoire/chifforobe - D
Dresser/Chest - N (We are waiting on this until she gets older)
*Glider or upholstered rocker - N
Ottoman - W
Blanket chest - D
*Crib - N
*Changing Table - N (I've heard some say this isn't a need but I disagree. It's nice to have a place that both you and baby are comfortable. Especially as a newborn who needs needs a diaper change every 2 hours!)
Armoire/chifforobe - D
Dresser/Chest - N (We are waiting on this until she gets older)
*Glider or upholstered rocker - N
Ottoman - W
Blanket chest - D
Nursery--Mattresses
Crib mattress - N
Cradle/bassinet mattress
Portable crib mattress
3 crib mattress pads - D
Vinyl mattress cover - W
Crib mattress - N
Cradle/bassinet mattress
Portable crib mattress
3 crib mattress pads - D
Vinyl mattress cover - W
Nursery--Bedding/Room Decor
Crib bedding set
4-6 Fitted sheets - N (2-3)
*4-6 Blankets - N (We have 1 thick blanket for walks, two thin fleece blackets for travel, one knitted blanket for naps, and a bunch of receiving blankets)
*4-6 Receiving Blankets - W/N I prefer to use these for burp rags because it more coverage.
4-6 Waterproof pads - D
4-6 Sheet Savers - W - We just have one
Changing Table pad - D
2-4 Changing Table covers- N
2-4 Baskets/storage bins - W
Wall hanging
Switchplate cover
Crib Mobile
Lamp
Wall Border
Window valance
Diaper stacker
Rug
Hamper
Sleep Positioner - D (I've heard these are dangerous)
Crib bedding set
4-6 Fitted sheets - N (2-3)
*4-6 Blankets - N (We have 1 thick blanket for walks, two thin fleece blackets for travel, one knitted blanket for naps, and a bunch of receiving blankets)
*4-6 Receiving Blankets - W/N I prefer to use these for burp rags because it more coverage.
4-6 Waterproof pads - D
4-6 Sheet Savers - W - We just have one
Changing Table pad - D
2-4 Changing Table covers- N
2-4 Baskets/storage bins - W
Wall hanging
Switchplate cover
Crib Mobile
Lamp
Wall Border
Window valance
Diaper stacker
Rug
Hamper
Sleep Positioner - D (I've heard these are dangerous)
Toys/Gifts--Toys, Books, & Music
Crib Toys
Activity Toys
Toy Box
Baby Gym
Books
Playmat
*DVDs
*CDs
Crib Toys
Activity Toys
Toy Box
Baby Gym
Books
Playmat
*DVDs
*CDs
Toys/Gifts--Keepsakes
Frames
Baby Book
Photo Albums
Announcements
Thank-you notes
Camera
Frames
Baby Book
Photo Albums
Announcements
Thank-you notes
Camera
Clothing (Newborn/0-3 months)
Homecoming Outfit
9-12 Bodysuits - N
7-9 pants - get easy to remove pants, like sweat pants.
2-4 cap and bootie sets
4-6 Side-snap shirts
4-6 Pullover shirts
6-8 Stretch sleep 'n play
3-6 Cotton overalls
3 Gowns - N (great when changing diapers at night)
Socks!
12-24 Clothing hangers
Baby Mittens N (These are great because their nails are paper thin. So it's hard to cut them but they will scratch themselves)
Swaddle N (Some babies don't like to be swaddle. Hannah loves it and it helps with getting her to sleep through the night)
Homecoming Outfit
9-12 Bodysuits - N
7-9 pants - get easy to remove pants, like sweat pants.
2-4 cap and bootie sets
4-6 Side-snap shirts
4-6 Pullover shirts
6-8 Stretch sleep 'n play
3-6 Cotton overalls
3 Gowns - N (great when changing diapers at night)
Socks!
12-24 Clothing hangers
Baby Mittens N (These are great because their nails are paper thin. So it's hard to cut them but they will scratch themselves)
Swaddle N (Some babies don't like to be swaddle. Hannah loves it and it helps with getting her to sleep through the night)
